Sprint Nextel has been working to go live with its WiMAX service in the US, and it looks like WiMAX is about to become a reality for some areas of the US. Sprint and Clearwire have finalized their deal to combine WiMAX network assets and roll out a nationwide 4G WiMAX wireless network, just in time to meet their year-end launch goal.
The newly formed entity will retain the Clearwire name, and will be infused with $3.2 billion in investments from Comcast, Intel, Time Warner Cable, Google and Bright House Networks. Sprint remains Clearwire’s largest investor and will leverage their position to offer US customers access to the nation’s first 4G wireless data network.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter in wireless that leverages Sprint’s investment in 4G to profoundly change how people and businesses send, receive and use information,” said Dan Hesse, chief executive officer of Sprint and member of Clearwire’s Board of Directors.
Clearwire has launched their new “Clear” WiMAX-based wireless network in Portland, Oregon. Clear is offered in the Portland Metro area and starts at $30 per month for unlimited mobile service, with home service starting at $20 a month. Unlimited monthly Clear WiMAX access will run $50 The Clear WiMAX USB modem will cost an additional $50, with the home WiMAX modem adding an additional $5 to each month’s bill. Clear is also offering daily WiMAX access for just $10 a day.
Clear offers no-contract WiMAX service, allowing customers to enjoy mobile broadband speeds on a month-to-month basis.